Cost of Living: Santa Ana, CA vs Rancho Cucamonga, CA (2026)

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182

Santa Ana is 10% cheaper than Rancho Cucamonga.

$1,975/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$2,286/mo ↑ 16%
$88,354/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$109,511/yr ↑ 24%
$657,800 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$694,400 ↑ 6%
$1,965/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$2,324/mo ↑ 18%
311,639
Population
174,693

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Rancho Cucamonga, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $311/month cheaper in Santa Ana, saving renters about $3,732/year.

Median household income is $21,157/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $694,400 in Rancho Cucamonga.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Rancho Cucamonga — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Rancho Cucamonga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Ana is cheaper to live in with an index of 163 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Rancho Cucamonga?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Rancho Cucamonga it's $2,286/month — a difference of $311/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Rancho Cucamonga?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga. Median household income is $21,157/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Ana or Rancho Cucamonga?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/mo, while Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,286/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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